Sandy Valley grad, state champ Borsellino named new Malvern head wrestling coach

Francesco Borsellino has been selected as the next Head Wrestling Coach for Malvern High School. He will officially be hired at the Malvern Board of Education meeting on Monday, August 19. In addition to his coaching duties, Borsellino will serve as a full-time substitute teacher for Brown Local this school year.

Borsellino replaced Robbie Wilson who left the program to join Carrollton’s wrestling staff.

A 2017 graduate of Sandy Valley High School, Borsellino earned a B.S. in Social Work from West Liberty University in 2022 and a Master’s in Business Administration from the same institution in 2024. He was a standout student-athlete at Sandy Valley, where he wrestled under Coach Greg Donahue. He twice qualified for the OHSAA State Wrestling Championships, earning First Team All-Ohio honors during his junior season by placing fifth. As a senior, Borsellino made history by becoming the first-ever state wrestling champion in Sandy Valley High School’s history. He also excelled in football, earning First-Team All-Ohio honors during his junior year.

At West Liberty University, Borsellino continued to shine, earning three varsity letters in football and six in wrestling. He qualified for the NCAA Division II Wrestling Championships four times, achieving All-American recognition in 2020 by placing seventh in the nation. Academically, he was named an Academic All-American in 2024. Borsellino credits much of his development to Head Coach Danny Irwin, who served as a mentor and positive influence during his time at West Liberty.

Malvern Athletic Director Dave Tucci expressed excitement about Borsellino’s appointment, citing his strong wrestling background and enthusiasm for the sport. “We are very excited for Coach Borsellino,” Tucci said. “He is young but has been mentored by outstanding coaches along the way. He will also have the support of Principal Tim Babiczuk and Coach Dan Clear to ensure his success. Our program has thrived under Coach Robbie Wilson, and I am confident Coach Borsellino will continue the success.”

Borsellino shared his enthusiasm for the new role. “I am very grateful for this opportunity and excited to lead the Malvern Hornet Wrestling Program,” he said. “Malvern has a great wrestling foundation. I want to give back to the great sport of wrestling that has given me so much. Coach Irwin was such a great coach and mentor. I plan to bring many of his philosophies into the Malvern Hornet Program.”